In 2011, Dontae founded the Designated Hitter Foundation (DHF) with MLB Legend Brian Hunter to expand opportunities for youth in underserved communities. After identifying a lack of accessible, empowering programs, they built DHF to provide more than instruction, they created pathways and opportunities with memorable experiences for fans of baseball and community.

DHF offers professional training in baseball, softball, multimedia, and dance, while intentionally developing discipline, leadership, goal-setting, teamwork, and self-respect. The foundation provides safe, structured spaces that serve as positive alternatives to drugs, gangs, and violence—helping young people build pride in themselves and their communities.

Through a partnership with Dr. John Eliot, Chairman of Los Angeles–based nonprofit Vintage 9, DHF traveled the West Coast hosting fundraising events that supported schools and community organizations serving youth in need. These efforts helped sustain arts programs in Los Angeles and Phoenix that were at risk of financial burdens. Donations allowed DHF to provide meals, snacks, and meaningful incentives, including MLB memorabilia, ensuring both access and engagement.

Legends of Baseball Vintage Showdown Series

The Legends of Baseball Vintage Showdown Series brings more than 125 years of baseball history to life through immersive, educational exhibition games.

Hall of Famers and former All-Stars take the field in 19th-century uniforms, playing by the original rules of the 1870s and 1880s—using 40-ounce bats, vintage gloves, and historic gameplay. Youth don’t just learn about baseball history—they experience it. Many have the opportunity to step onto the field themselves, transforming history into something tangible, exciting, and empowering.

While these events require significant resources to produce, DHF remains committed to equity and access. Admission is always free, ensuring that families—regardless of income—can participate and benefit from the experience.

As Executive Director of DH Foundation, Dontae explains it as living out his childhood dream working with Vintage 9, by simply putting on a baseball uniform for the first time and it read LEGEND bold across the chest.

Dontae aka. “Too Tall” with his  first at bat, first time in uniform and clutching a one of a kind Jackie Robinson bat recalls thousands of childhood images racing through his head as he stepped up to the plate.

Images he confidently confirmed that he would one day experience a moment like this or similar scenario. The other images reminded him of the reality that he regretted ruining any chances he had to be an athlete standing 6′ 7″for more than 20 years.  He clears his thoughts, takes a few deep breaths and absorbs the moment telling himself “dreams do come true” before he took his first strike by non other than Legendary pitcher Rollie Fingers (Oakland Athletics). 

Dontae says it’s all memory he will cherish for a lifetime. A service journey that has led him to a dugout with a mouth full of sunflower seeds watching a ballgame next to Reggie Jackson, or on a baseball field shaking hands with Arod and Jeeter just to name a few. Dontae is forever grateful that a legend like Brian Hunter wanted to take action and support youth and families across the west coast. DHF hosted and facilitated groups and camps that promoted physical activities in Oregon, Washington, California, Texas, Hawaii, and Arizona.